Prepare to Sail

General Information

Warm and waterproof clothing is very important as it can get pretty cold during sailing, especially at night even in the Summer. A waterproof and windproof jacket and overtrousers are recommended to help keep warm and dry. For the same reason bring rubber boots or waterproof shoes, preferably 2 pairs in case one gets wet, with some profile on the soles which is necessary to avoid slipping on a wet deck. Sun cream is also essential to protect against sunburn during long periods of being outdoors.

Please remember that space on board is limited and that you will generally not require smart clothing. Pack comfortable and practical clothing for all weather circumstances. It is recommended to pack in a sports bag that can easily be stored away as there is no room on board for suitcases.

Electricity on board is mainly 3 pin sockets but we do have adaptors if needed. Please also note there is a non-smoking policy on board Maybe.

Passports, EHIC and Travel Insurance:

If your voyage is sailing to foreign shores, you will require a full passport that is valid for 6 months after the end of the voyage or an identity card. You will be responsible for obtaining any necessary visas.

European citizens can obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). The EHIC is a replacement for the old E111 and is free. Application forms are available from the post office or via the internet.

We do insist that all trainee crew take out relevant travel insurance to cover their voyage. We do like to check that you have travel insurance when you arrive on board.

Medical Conditions and Special Diets:

Please inform us in advance of any medical conditions and medication which you might need to bring on board with you. If you have any special dietary requirements it is also helpful to inform us at the time of booking.

Personal Items to Pack:

• Warm hats
• Warm gloves
• Wet weather clothing - waterproof and windproof jacket and overtrousers
• Clothing - Enough clothing for all weather circumstances
• Wellies or waterproof shoes x 2 - must be non-slip soles
• Swimming gear
• Toiletries
• Binoculars (if you have your own)
• Camera
• Sleeping bag
• Pillowcase (pillows are provided)
• Towels
• Log book (if you have one)
• Trainers
• Sun cream
• Sunglasses
• Sea sickness medication
• Books
• Small amount of pocket money - food and soft drinks (not including fizzy drinks) on board are provided but pocket money is required if you need to buy anything extra in port.*
• Valid passport (minimum 6 months to date of expiry) or identity card.
• Travel insurance

Please do not bring any jewellery or non-essential valuables on board.

General Items:

• GPS and Batteries - Only if you have one for your own personal interest.
• Tea Towels x 3
• Small torch & batteries or preferably a head torch

* We supply breakfast, lunch and dinner with tea, coffee and non-fizzy soft drinks. Other snack foods such as chocolate, crisps, fizzy drinks, etc are not provided in the voyage price but can be provided with notice at extra cost.

Download your essential kit list

If you have any queries with regard to what to bring, please contact the Maybe Sailing office on
+44 (0)113 250 1133 or email info@maybe-sailing.com

Life on Board

Life on board really is about getting stuck in and involved in all aspects of sailing the ship. Don't worry if you have not sailed before - most trainee crew have no previous sailing experience, so you will not be alone.  The permanent crew are always on hand to support you through all the tasks involved and you will always have an experienced permanent crew member with you on watch to show you what to do and answer any questions.

You will be put into one of three teams, called Watches, that take it in turn to be responsible for various tasks on board including keeping watch, even at night.  Every trainee steers the boat, keeps look-out, and takes down log entries.  When we trim the sheets or do a manoeuvre such as tacking or gibing, hoisting or dropping a sail, everyone helps.  The permanent crew will allocate jobs to everyone so that no-one is left out.

Each watch takes it in turn to prepare and cook the meals.  It can be fun and relaxing to cook a big meal for everyone - or it can be a real challenge when the weather isn’t so nice and the boat is moving around a lot! It’s not all hard work on board. We want trainees to enjoy the experience and have fun. When each watch is not on duty, the permanent crew members will provide activities for the trainees and there is also a TV and DVD player on board so the watches can sit and relax together.